STCW III/4 - Ratings Forming Part of Engineering Watch (RFPEW)

IMO STCW 2010 Regulations - Mandatory Minimum Requirements for Certification of Ratings Forming Part of an Engineering Watch (RFPEW) in a Manned Engine-Room or Designated to Perform Duties in a Periodically Unmanned Engine-Room

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STCW II/4 Ratings Forming Part of an Engineering Watch (RFPEW) is part of the engine department on a seagoing ship powered by main propulsion machinery of 750 kW propulsion power or more and certified according to STCW.

The duties include - understand orders and be understood in matters relevant to watchkeeping duties, carry out a watch routine compliant with the duties of an engine room watch, and more

Please find below the STCW 2010 regulations and tables. You may also check our STCW Guide section for more clarity on the requirements at various stages of a merchant mariner's career.

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STCW Code Section A-III/4 Chapter III (STCW 2010 Res 2)

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Standard of Competence

1. Every rating forming part of an engine-room watch on a seagoing ship shall be required to demonstrate the competence to perform the marine engineering function at the support level, as specified in column 1 of table A-III/4.
2. The minimum knowledge, understanding and proficiency required of ratings forming part of an engine-room watch is listed in column 2 of table A-III/4.
3. Every candidate for certification shall be required to provide evidence of having achieved the required standard of competence in accordance with the methods for demonstrating competence and the criteria for evaluating competence specified in columns 3 and 4 of table A-III/4. The reference to “practical test” in column 3 may include approved shore-based training in which the students undergo practical testing.
4. Where there are no tables of competence for the support level with respect to certain functions, it remains the responsibility of the Administration to determine the appropriate training, assessment and certification requirements to be applied to personnel designated to perform those functions at the support level.

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STCW Table A-III/4 of Chapter III (STCW 2010 Res 2)

Specification of minimum standard of competence for ratings forming part of an engineering watch

STCW Table A-III/4 PDF

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STCW Section B-III/4 of Chapter III (STCW 2010 Res 2)

Guidance regarding the training and certification of ratings forming part of a watch in a manned engine-room or designated to perform duties in a periodically unmanned engine-room

1. In addition to the requirements stated in section A-III/4 of this Code, Parties are encouraged, for safety reasons, to include the following items in the training of ratings forming part of an engineering watch:
   1. a basic knowledge of routine pumping operations, such as bilge, ballast and Cargo pumping systems;
   2. a basic knowledge of Electrical installations and the associated dangers;
   3. a basic knowledge of maintenance and repair of machinery and tools used in the engine-room; and
   4. a basic knowledge of stowage and arrangements for bringing stores on board.

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MUST READ:

• STCW Guide for Seafarers  (Requirements & Certifications)
• What is STCW? - An Introduction
• STCW Requirements for RFPEW

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STCW Regulation III/4 of Chapter III (STCW 2010 Res 1)

Mandatory Minimum Requirements for Certification of Ratings Forming Part of a Watch in a Manned Engine-Room or Designated to Perform Duties in a Periodically Unmanned Engine-Room

1. Every rating forming part of an engine-room watch or designated to perform duties in a periodically unmanned engine-room on a seagoing ship powered by main propulsion machinery of 750 kW propulsion power or more, other than ratings under training and ratings whose duties are of an unskilled nature, shall be duly certificated to perform such duties.
2. Every candidate for certification shall:
   1. be not less than 16 years of age;
   2. have completed:
      1. approved seagoing service including not less than six months of training and experience, or
      2. special training, either pre-sea or on board ship, including an approved period of seagoing service which shall not be less than two months; and
   3. meet the standard of competence specified in section A-III/4 of the STCW Code.
3. The seagoing service, training and experience required by subparagraphs 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 shall be associated with engine-room watchkeeping functions and involve the performance of duties carried out under the direct supervision of a qualified engineer officer or a qualified rating.

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Disclaimer: For general information purpose only - please check with IMO STCW Convention for the latest requirements and accurate info

LAST UPDATED ON Aug 11, 2021